Latest news with #F1GrandPrixofBahrain
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Jeremy Clarkson Predicts Wild Future for Christian Horner Outside F1
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has predicted the career paths Christian Horner could choose outside of Formula One after his sudden ousting from the Red Bull Racing F1 team. Horner spent 20 years with Red Bull, celebrating six constructors' championships and eight drivers' titles. Red Bull parted ways with him with immediate effect on Wednesday, but the reason for his exit hasn't been revealed. Clarkson, famous for his work on Amazon Prime's The Grand Tour and Clarkson's Farm, opened up about a similar situation he had been in when the BBC dismissed him for punching Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon. Clarkson began his column in The Sun by pointing out how Horner's ousting had been linked to an incident last year when he was accused by a female colleague of inappropriate behavior, despite Red Bull clearing him of any wrongdoing after an internal investigation. He wrote: Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talks with Jeremy Clarkson on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 02, 2024 in Bahrain, Bahrain. Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talks with Jeremy Clarkson on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 02, 2024 in Bahrain, Bahrain."All week, the permanently angry women of Instagram have been filling their social media channels with spittle-flecked rage about Christian Horner. "'How come,' they wailed, 'he got away scot-free after sexting a colleague, but has now been fired because Red Bull isn't winning as much as it used to?'" The former Top Gear producer then presented his arguments. He continued: "Couple of things on that argument. Number one. After those texts were leaked, Red Bull had two inquiries. Horner was grilled for hours. "And it was decided that he had no case to answer. So he couldn't very well be sacked for an offence he hadn't committed. "And number two, we don't actually know why he was fired. Yes, it's possible his bosses showed him the door because the team wasn't performing. "The fact is that Horner took Red Bull from absolutely nothing to a team that won six constructor's championships, eight drivers' championships and 124 race wins." Clarkson opened up about the text he sent Horner, revealing that he had been in a similar situation in the past. He wrote: "I sent him a text after the news of his dismissal broke, pointing out that I've been in his shoes in the past. "I explained that when you wake the following morning, it's easy to think, 'Well, that's that, then'. The big question is, where does Horner go next? Clarkson ruled out F1 teams such as Alpine and Ferrari, given their links with Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton. He explained: "But where? The clever money is saying he'll go to Alpine. But next year they will have Mercedes engines. Which means Christian would have to work with Silver Arrows boss Toto Wolff. "And as those two really don't get on, I can't see that happening. Ferrari? Possibly, but that would mean upping sticks and moving to Italy. And dealing with Sir Hamilton." Clarkson, however, mentioned other names that would be eager to sign Horner. He added: "Audi is coming into the sport next year, and Cadillac. And there's talk the Chinese are making F1 noises. "And all of them would jump at the chance of getting Horner." Following his exit from the BBC, Clarkson continued his romance with cars and later became a full-time farmer, a line of work in which he had zero experience. The 65-year-old presenter wrote that Horner could similarly pursue a career outside of F1. He continued: "The thing is, though, that as I proved after the Beeb let me go, you don't necessarily have to do what you were doing before. I became a farmer. "So on that basis, Christian Horner might re-emerge in a couple of years as an astronaut, or in an ice-cream van or as a Foreign Secretary." Predicting Red Bull's fate, he concluded: "And Red Bull? "Well, look what happened to Man United when Ferguson was no longer at the helm. "On that basis, this once-great team may well end up, in a couple of years, in Formula 4."
Newsweek
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
F1 Insider Details Horner and Jos Verstappen Dispute Before Red Bull Departure
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher has alleged that a heated argument took place between Max Verstappen's father, Jos Verstappen, and former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner during the British Grand Prix weekend, ahead of Horner's Red Bull exit. Schumacher claimed that he personally saw what looked like a debate between the two personalities. Just two days after the race at Silverstone, Red Bull announced the exit of Horner on Wednesday with immediate effect. Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies has replaced him. Horner and Jos's differences go back to the 2024 season opener in Bahrain, when Horner was accused of inappropriate behavior by a female colleague. Despite Max winning the race in Sakhir, Jos and Horner were reportedly involved in a heated exchange. The accusation followed an internal investigation by Red Bull. Eventually, Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing, but reports of an internal power struggle at Red Bull appeared, involving Horner and the team's senior advisor, Helmut Marko. Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talks with Jos Verstappen in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on February 29, 2024 in... Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talks with Jos Verstappen in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on February 29, 2024 in Bahrain, Bahrain. MoreSchumacher claims that the differences between Horner and Jos were never resolved completely. Speaking on the Boxengasse-podcast, as quoted and translated by The Sun, he said: "There was another argument or a heated exchange, at least visually and verbally between Jos Verstappen, Christian Horner and the press officer. "You could see that Jos was anything but happy with the situation." Schumacher then addressed Horner. He said: "But I understand it too. For me, Christian Horner is also a bit of a difficult person. "I have to say that. He just failed to keep the team together well, which is not always easy, of course. "But I also think his behaviour now, I can only refer to myself, but he can't really deal with criticism." The former driver added that Horner doesn't talk to him or Sky Sports Germany. He said: "We are, or I am, now, on a so-called black list, so he no longer talks to us or with me and such. "It's actually a joke, because a man who has won so much should actually be able to discuss it in front of the camera." Red Bull has not revealed the reason for Horner's ousting. Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff issued a statement announcing Horner's departure. It read: "We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. "With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1. "Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history."
Newsweek
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Martin Brundle and Jeremy Clarkson Share Hilarious Grid Walk Moment at British GP
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Ahead of the British Grand Prix, Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle had a funny exchange with Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson. During Brundle's signature grid walk, when he interviews celebrities and drivers on the grid ahead of a race, the former Formula 1 driver caught up with the two stars. Brundle asked Clarkson who the Top Gear star wanted to win the race, to which Clarkson gave an interesting answer: "Honestly, I don't think anyone could predict today. It's a wet start, probably won't rain afterwards. I mean they're so close, aren't they..... there's 20 drivers on the grid and I like 17 of them, so I don't really mind who wins," Clarkson told Brundle. Jeremy Clarkson talks with Martin Brundle on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 02, 2024 in Bahrain, Bahrain. Jeremy Clarkson talks with Martin Brundle on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 02, 2024 in Bahrain, Bahrain. Photo byClarkson hinted at not liking three drivers on the grid, which left Brundle quite perplexed and didn't press the reality TV star on who those drivers were. "I'm not going to ask [who are] the three you don't like," he said while laughing. This isn't the first time that Clarkson and Brundle have interacted over the race weekend. During Saturday's qualifying broadcast, Clarkson texted Brundle about the weather conditions for the session. "A bloke called Jeremy from Oxford told me 'there will be no rain,'" Brundle said on the Sky Sports broadcast. During the grid walk interview, Brundle thanked Clarkson for the weather update: "Thanks for the weather forecast yesterday, you sent in by WhatsApp," he said. "That was the best comic timing in television history," Clarkson responded. The weather did factor into both qualifying and the race - creating windy and wet conditions out on track over the weekend. McLaren driver Lando Norris got his maiden home race win after benefiting from a safety car penalty that came to his teammate, Oscar Piastri. Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton just missed out on a podium finish, which would have been his first in a Ferrari. Instead, long-time Formula 1 driver Nico Hulkenberg finished on the podium for the first time in his career. British Grand Prix Race Results Lando Norris - McLaren Oscar Piastri - McLaren Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari Max Verstappen - Red Bull Pierre Gasly - Alpine Lance Stroll - Aston Martin Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin Alex Albon - Williams George Russell - Mercedes Oliver Bearman - Haas Carlos Sainz - Williams Esteban Ocon - Haas Charles Leclerc - Ferrari Yuki Tsunoda - Red Bull DNF 16. Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes 17. Isack Hadjar - Racing Bulls 18. Gabriel Bortoleto - Sauber 19. Liam Lawson - Racing Bulls 20. Franco Colapinto - Alpine More F1 news: How Lewis Hamilton Made the F1 Movie Production More Expensive For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
McLaren Icon's Multi-Million Dollar Car Collection Up For Sale
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The family of Mansour Ojjeh has stated their intention to sell a massive collection of McLaren cars collected by the famous car brand icon. The family chose high-end car dealer Tom Hartley Jnr to conduct the sale of 20 McLaren road cars that belong to the Formula 1 icon. The French businessman owned TAG (Techniques d'Avant Garde), which sponsored several sporting companies around the world. Ojjeh and TAG broke into F1 through the Williams racing team as a sponsor. In 1984, he made a move to buy a stake in McLaren and steered the company to seven Constructors' titles and ten Drivers' Championships. Mansour Ojjeh of Mclaren and Saudi Arabia with Zak Brown CEO of Mclaren and USA during the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 31, 2019 in Bahrain, Bahrain. Mansour Ojjeh of Mclaren and Saudi Arabia with Zak Brown CEO of Mclaren and USA during the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 31, 2019 in Bahrain, Bahrain. Photo by PeterWhile leading the organization to motorsport success, he also played a role in developing the brand as a whole. He created McLaren Automotive and McLaren Applied Technologies — pushing the car manufacturer forward into the future. Ojjeh died in 2021, leaving his family in control of his remaining assets, including the car collection. His wife, Kathy Ojjeh, released a statement about the decision to sell the cars: "Parting with this very personal collection is not easy, but it is time for it to go to its new custodian, one who truly 'gets it' and will cherish owning and caring for it the way Mansour did," she said. The collection's most poignant car is the McLaren F1 road car, which was the first road-going series model produced by the car brand. The McLaren F1 at Salon Prive London, held at the Royal Chelsea Hospital. This is Salon Prive's third event held in London, with many manufactures unveiling their newest cars. The McLaren F1 at Salon Prive London, held at the Royal Chelsea Hospital. This is Salon Prive's third event held in London, with many manufactures unveiling their newest cars. Photo byOther McLaren models featured in the collection include the Speedtail, P1, Senna, Elva, Sabre, and Le Mans editions. The Sabre model is the last of the 16 produced, making it extremely rare. Other than the F1 and P1 models, the rest of the collection remains in factory condition through maintenance by McLaren. "Mansour was a founding father of McLaren as we know it today," the current-day McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said about the collection. "A massively passionate racer and automotive enthusiast and no bigger fan of McLaren. His collection is very special, I'm not aware of anything else that compares with it." All 20 cars are branded with a signature color named Yquem, which was later renamed Mansour Orange by McLaren. It is a custom hue reserved only for cars owned by Ojjeh. Tom Hartley sold Bernie Ecclestone's collection of 69 historic racing Formula 1 cars earlier this year for more than $500 million and serves as a major car dealer based in England. More F1 news: How Lewis Hamilton Made the F1 Movie Production More Expensive For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Mercedes F1 Team Boss Laughs Off Red Bull's Canadian GP Protest: "Embarrassing!"
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has ridiculed Red Bull's protest, which challenged George Russell's maiden victory of the 2025 season in Canada. Wolff called it an "embarrassing" attempt by Red Bull to influence the race result. Russell dominated the Canadian Grand Prix after starting from pole position and defended the position from Max Verstappen, who came second. Towards the end of the race, Verstappen closed the gap to Russell after they had lapped several cars, but Russell held his ground. A safety car in the closing stages ensured Russell crossed the finish line first. However, two hours after the race, Red Bull launched two protests related to the way Russell drove behind the safety car. George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes is congratulated by Mercedes CEO and Team Principal Toto Wolff in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on April 13, 2025... George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes is congratulated by Mercedes CEO and Team Principal Toto Wolff in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on April 13, 2025 in Bahrain, Bahrain. MoreThe Milton Keynes-based team alleged that Russell's conduct behind the safety car was erratic and inappropriate. However, after hearing both parties and taking into consideration all the evidence, the FIA stewards cleared Russell of any wrongdoing after several hours. The race result remained uncertain until that point. Wolff offered his views on the "petty" matter at the launch of the F1 movie in New York. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "It took Red Bull Racing two hours before they launched the protest, so that was their doing. Honestly, it's so petty and so small. They come up with some weird clauses, what they call clauses. "I guess the FIA needs to look at that because it's so far-fetched it was rejected. You race, you win and you lose on track. That was a fair victory for us, like so many they had in the past. And it's just embarrassing." However, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner admitted that he had no regrets about the protest. He said: "It's a team's right to do so. We saw something we didn't think was quite right. "You have the ability to put it in front of the stewards and so that's what we chose to do. Absolutely no regrets in that." Speaking of Russell, the 27-year-old driver is left without an F1 seat for 2026 since Mercedes has yet to confirm him as their driver for next year. Rumors suggest that Aston Martin is keen on signing him for the new campaign. However, considering the support Russell received from Mercedes since he was a junior driver, he made it clear that he intends to stay with his current team. He said: "No, I'm not talking with anybody else and any teams who have shown interest. I have been quite open to say my intentions are to stay with Mercedes. That's always been clear. "And, you know, I am loyal to Mercedes. They gave me this chance to get into Formula 1." He added: "But ultimately there are two seats for every race team and I knew if I continued to perform as I'm doing, my position would not be under threat whatsoever. So, I feel in a good place. We're in no rush to do contract negotiations." Related: Toto Wolff Hints George Russell Mercedes F1 Contract Renewal Incoming
